Published by Idan Ma'at @ 26/12/2018

AirAsia X announced the launch of an exclusive direct route connecting Kuala Lumpur with Fukuoka, Japan. The four times weekly service set to commence on 28 February 2019, will be the airline group's fifth destination in Japan and fourth route from Kuala Lumpur, strengthening Malaysia - Japan bilateral ties while stimulating local trade and tourism growth.

AirAsia X Malaysia CEO Benyamin Ismail says, “Very soon, Kuala Lumpur will be directly connected with Fukuoka for the first time with our four times weekly direct services, with air fares from as low as RM199*, in keeping with our promise to connect the world with new markets at great value fares.”

“With over six million guests flown since we started operating into the country in 2010, Japan remains a very important market for us. We look forward to the commencement of this route early next year which will strengthen the bilateral ties between Malaysia and Japan while bringing the world to Fukuoka through our extensive network in the region,” added Benyamin.

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Malaysia H.E Dr. Makio Miyagawa said, “Congratulations to AirAsia X for the launch of this new unique route to Fukuoka, Japan. We commend AirAsia X’s effort to provide enhanced links between Japan and Malaysia. Fukuoka and its surrounding cities in Kyushu are renowned for spectacular scenery and cuisine and we welcome everyone to visit and enjoy the many travel highlights of this region.”

Governor of Fukuoka Prefecture Mr. Hiroshi Ogawa said,“It is my great pleasure that AirAsia X starts its service to Kuala Lumpur in response to Future Plans for Airports in Fukuoka Prefecture. I expect that this opportunity will stimulate further mutual exchanges in the field of business and tourism between Fukuoka and Malaysia.”

AirAsia X currently flies to Tokyo, Osaka and Sapporo from Kuala Lumpur, with onward daily flights between Osaka and Honolulu, Hawaii. As a group, AirAsia X connects with Japan from eight cities including the recently announced Taipei - Osaka; while AirAsia Japan has an operating base in Nagoya with one domestic route to Sapporo.

Fukuoka is home to thousand-year-old historical landmarks such as the Dazaifu Tenmangu shrine and Fukuoka Castle which exist side-by-side with modern and industrial centers. Visitors can escape to pristine shorelines - ideal for leisure seekers and water activities on Itoshima peninsula during summer. Other attractions include Kawachi Fuji-en garden in Kitakyushu, Yanagawa's canals and Hakata merchant town which hosts two major festivals annually, the Hakata Dontaku and Hakata Gion Yamakasa.

Kyushu’s culinary specialties include world-class seafood dishes, yakitori (grilled skewers) and motsunabe hot pot during the winter. Ramen connoisseurs will be in for a treat in Fukuoka with a local yatai or food stalls on nearly every corner of the streets ready to offer you their specialty Hakata Ramen dubbed as amongst the best in Japan.